Mr Ball said the Brexit architect knew the figure to be false but he repeated it on numerous occasions during the 2016 referendum.

He claimed the case was never about stopping our exit from the EU but designed to ‘stop politicians lying in public.’

Mr Ball, 29, added: ‘When politicians lie, democracy dies.’

The case was brought by Marcus Ball who said politicians needed to be accountable for what they said in public (Picture: Reuters)

Misconduct in a public office is a common law offence, which has a maximum of life in jail.

Mr Johnson, 54, employed a top legal team headed by Adrian Darbishire QC, who once brought the largest ever private prosecution and now specialises in defending them.

Giving the High Court’s decision today, Lady Justice Rafferty, sitting with Mr Justice Supperstone, said: ‘We are persuaded, Mr Darbishire, so you succeed, and the relief that we grant is the quashing of the summonses.’

The reasons for the court ruling will be given at a later date.

Mr Darbishire has said his client had always denied any wrong-doing and questioned the motives of the Crowdfunded case.

Mr Johnson did not have to appear in court today and his spokesman declined to comment after it was thrown out.

Speaking after the ruling, Mr Ball said he would consider his next steps.

He added: ‘We have just given the green light for every politician to lie to us about our money forever. That is a terrifying idea.’

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Asked if he had a message for Mr Johnson, Mr Ball said: ‘You don’t have the right to lie to the public about how their money is being spent.’

He added: ‘I would ask you, please, all members of Parliament, all elected representatives, understand: you cannot lie to the public about their money.’

Mr Johnson is the front-runner to take over from Theresa May after the leadership contest formally starts on Monday.

He had faced the prospect of a court case while being the Prime Minister.